About Us

Robert has had more than thirty five years experience in the Hospitality industry and is a Certified Hotel Administrator.

The first restaurant: (1972) Esperanto, a coffeehouse/bistro in Carmel, which was very popular among locals. Clientele comprised of all segments of Peninsula society from actors and musicians to politicians and community leaders.

General Manager: (1976) General Store and Forge in the Forrest; at its infancy acquired the liquor license and operated full lunch and dinner service as well as full bar.

Food Service Director: (1978) Lodge at Pebble Beach; along with the chef and beverage manager oversaw all the food service at the various venues, particularly the Cypress Room and Tap Room. Oversaw initial set-up of the Galley restaurant and participated in the many discussions which eventually led to the development of the Spanish Bay Resort.

Vice President/General Manager: (1979) Ventana Big Sur, achieved 4-star status for the restaurant in 1981 and at the Inn in 1983. Operated under the original owner for about a year after which Transamerica Corp. purchased the property. Received the designation of Vice President/General Manager and operated the inn, restaurant, gift shop, campground, service station, deli, bakery as well as housing for employees. Advanced the property from 24-rooms and a sad reputation of service to world-class recognition and the title of "Most Romantic Inn in the World" (Conde Nast and Harper's Hideaway Report). Shepherded the process of development procedures through the California Coastal Commission and Monterey County Planning for over 9-years to completely build out to the existing 62-rooms and expanded the dining room as well as added cabins and units for 120 employees. I resigned in 1995 to pursue consulting and personal ventures.

Co-owner/President: (1995) Hospitality Consultants International. With his wife Executive Chef Wendy Brodie, HAAC, established a consulting firm for small hotels, restaurants and spas. Clients encompassed areas of California, the Northwest, Germany, Hong Kong and Switzerland. Assisted in site development, operations and general management. Had experience in the turn-around of a resort in Washington State. Took command of total operation and evaluated personnel and systems. Made changes to systems, created new ones and trained or replaced management staff. In Oregon worked with a landowner to design and develop a new hotel. Developed pro-forma for staffing plan, operating systems and budget as well as design and décor of the rooms and public space, which included food service, spa and sports activities center.

Co-owner: (2000) Lincoln Court Restaurant. With his wife, Executive Chef Wendy Brodie, HAAC and son, Chef D. Michael Bussinger established and operated a fine dining restaurant in Carmel. Received numerous editorial praises throughout the community and received referrals from all over the country. Sold the restaurant to pursue Wendy's T.V. cooking show, Art of Food TV®.

Producer/Manager: (2003) Art of Food® and Lincoln Court Catering. Art of Food® is a half-hour TV cooking and lifestyle show broadcast weekly on PBS throughout the United States and Canada as well as every day on Comcast Cable.

Robert also develops clientele and administers high-end catering and cooking classes done by Wendy Brodie.

Robert also hosted a weekly one-hour radio talk-show for four years (1991-1995) on Public Radio. He interviewed guests in all areas of food and wine; from growers, chefs, winemakers, authors etc. He had guests such as local chefs and farmers as well as Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Charlie Trotter and many more.

Community Involvement:

Robert has been a founding board member of the local chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, Monterey County Hospitality Association, Monterey County Restaurant Association and the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce (past president). A Board Member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and VCB, Pacific Repertory Theater (past president), the International Wine and Food Society (president), Monterey Bay Advertisers Association (past vice-president) and chair of the marketing committee for the Monterey Museum of Art's capital campaign for the Dart Wing at La Mirada.

Robert's long term residence and strong public image on the Monterey Peninsula has allowed him to develop friends and acquaintances throughout the community in every strata of society.